Synthesis of mesoporous maghemite with high surface area and its adsorptive properties

Mesoporous maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) with high surface area was prepared by the thermal decomposition of Fe urea complex ([Fe(CON2H4)(6)](NO3)(3)) with the aid of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and its adsorption ability for the removal of fluoride was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observations, and magnetic measurements show that the gamma-Fe2O3 has a mesoporous structure and its crystallite size, specific surface area, and magnetic properties can be controlled by varying the content of CTAB in [Fe(CON2H4)(6)](NO3)(3). The maximum adsorption capacity of the mesoporous gamma-Fe2O3 for fluoride is estimated to be 7.9 mg/g, which suggests that the mesoporous gamma-Fe2O3 is an excellent adsorbent for fluoride. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.